JP7136887B2 - sensible clothing - Google Patents

Description

[Cross reference to related applications]
This application is subject to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/552,756, entitled "SENSE-ENABLED APPAREL," filed August 31, 2017 and U.S. Patent entitled "SENSE-ENABLED APPAREL," filed August 30, 2018. Priority benefit of application Ser. No. 16/117,566 is claimed. The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[Background technology]
Articles of clothing or footwear that incorporate sensor systems are known. The sensor system may track motion and may sense, measure and/or collect performance data. Such systems may provide an enhanced training experience based on sensed information. Known sensor-integrated garment designs often have a large impact on the weight, softness and/or flexibility of the garment and/or often require some disassembly to wash the garment.

Accordingly, improved systems and methods are desired that address these and other shortcomings in the art.

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the description below.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to sensor-integrated garment systems configured to sense biometric information of a wearer. Exemplary embodiments may relate to systems, methods, apparatus including sensor-integrated garments and/or uses thereof. A particular implementation may include a garment sized and measured to be worn by a user and a sensor system integrated into the garment. The sensor system includes at least one stretchable capacitive fabric sensor, a control module and a lighting system. At least one stretchable capacitive sensor is integrated on the garment to measure at least one biometric parameter of the user when the garment is worn. The lighting system includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) module and is configured to provide illumination to a designated area. A control module is configured to control and operatively connect the capacitive sensor and the lighting system.

In some embodiments, the garment may be a shirt or jacket and the at least one capacitive sensor may include a pair of sensors. Each sensor may be positioned to correspond to the user's left and right deltoids and may be configured to sense the swing of the user's arm. Each deltoid sensor may be configured to sense strain indicative of the user's arm swing. In some embodiments, the garment may be a pair of pants or shorts, and the at least one capacitive sensor is positioned to correspond to the user's left and right ankles, knees, thighs, etc., and the user's pace or legs. can be configured to sense the swing of the

The lighting system may be configured to adjust the intensity and/or duration of lighting based on one or more settings from the control module. The control module may also receive, for example, a time/intensity sensor configured to receive user input specifying settings of the lighting system and/or user input specifying a mode of operation of the lighting system to power on/off the lighting system. Additional sensors may be operably connected, including a mode sensor configured to. The time/intensity sensor and mode sensor may be placed at specific locations on the garment to provide accessibility for the user to provide input. The control modules may be placed on specific locations on the garment so as not to interfere with the user when the garment is worn and/or performing an activity. The mode sensor may include input selectors corresponding to continuous mode and paced mode. The time/intensity sensor may include an input selector configured to adjust the intensity of the lighting system and adjust the pulsation frequency of the lighting system.

The control module may be configured to be detachable from the sensor system and removable from the garment. A control module may include an enclosed outer shell that houses the electronics and other components therein. The occlusive outer shell can be shaped to contour a portion of the user according to the position of the control module when secured to the garment. A control module may include a battery and a printed circuit board assembly. The control module may be configured to allow charging of the battery without disassembly or removal of the battery. The control module may be configured to be removable from the garment and connectable to the computing device for transmission of data therebetween.

The lighting system can be configured to have a targetable and/or controllable lighting area based on a selected mode of operation. The lighting system may include a controllable directional component configured to adjust the lighting area. A lighting system may include an inboard LED module and an outboard LED module. An armature or spine of stranded wire may connect to the inboard and outboard LED modules. A flexible printed circuit board may electrically connect the inboard and outboard LED modules, and may connect the lighting system to the sensor system and/or the control module. A lighting system may include a casing that houses various components therein. For example, a transparent rubber casing may be provided that forms a watertight seal. A portion of the LED module in the lighting system may be bendable or movable to adjust the lighting area.

The sensor system, lighting system and control module may be interconnected in the garment by routing wiring along the seams of the garment. In some embodiments, the wiring may consist of flexible, thinly metallized threads. In some embodiments, the wiring may consist of a tape comprising a thermoplastic urethane film with conductive ink traces that is radio frequency (RF) bonded or thermally bonded to the garment.

In some embodiments, a method of providing illumination from clothing when a user performs an athletic activity is provided. The method includes sensing strain from one or more sensors located on the garment; determining a user's pace or predicted next movement based on the sensed strain; causing the clothing lighting system to illuminate a portion of the user's path based on the predicted next movement. The method may further include determining a side or area of the next footstrike based on the determined pace. Then, causing the lighting system to illuminate may include illuminating an area of the user's path corresponding to the determined side of the next footstrike. The method may further include adjusting the duration of illumination of the user's path in response to user-provided input. The method may further include adjusting the lighting system to provide constant lighting in response to user-provided input.

These and other aspects of embodiments are discussed in detail throughout this disclosure, including the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

1A is a front view of an exemplary sensor-integrated garment system according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 1B is a rear view of an exemplary sensor-integrated garment system according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 1C illustrates a lighting system of the sensor integrated garment system of FIGS. 1A and 1B; FIG.

FIG. 1C illustrates a mode sensor of the sensor-integrated garment system of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 1B illustrates the time/intensity sensor of the sensor-integrated garment system of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 1C illustrates a control module of the sensor-integrated garment system of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 6A is a front view of another exemplary sensor-integrated garment system according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. FIG. 6B is a rear view of another exemplary sensor-integrated garment system according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of a sensor-integrated garment system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In the accompanying drawings, diagrammatic representations show various embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the headings within this disclosure should not be construed as limiting aspects of the disclosure. Persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the exemplary headings.

1A and 1B illustrate an example of a sensor-integrated garment system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary system 100 may include one or more articles of clothing, such as clothing 102, sized and designed to be worn by a user. Apparel 102 may include shirts such as long sleeves, short sleeves, tank tops, or vests. In other embodiments, clothing 102 may include a pair of pants, socks, footwear, bodysuits, outerwear, and/or any other desired type of clothing. In certain configurations, apparel 102 may be constructed of cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, or other types of fabrics typically used in clothing and/or worn during athletic activities. Different classes of clothing may be utilized, where a given class of clothing has specific sensors configured to be positioned proximate to specific portions of the user's body when properly worn. For example, a golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the apparel in a first configuration, while a soccer apparel may include one or more sensors placed on the apparel in a second configuration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible.

The system 100 may be configured with a sensor system 110 integrated into the garment 102 and specifically configured to sense biometric information of the wearer. Sensor system 110 may include one or more sensors configured to sense, detect and/or measure athletic motion from a user. Sensor system 110 may include at least one stretchable capacitive sensor (eg, sensors 111 a and 111 b), control module 115 and lighting system 120 . In certain embodiments, sensor system 110 may be integrated into garment 102, which may be any type of garment such as athletic wear. The sensor system 110 may be incorporated into the garment 102 and/or positioned at any desired location on the garment 102 corresponding to the body part of the wearer. The components of the sensor system 110 communicate with each other (eg, via flexible wiring in the garment article or wirelessly), including communication with at least one stretchable capacitive fabric sensor, the control module 115 and/or the lighting system 120. ) may communicate. Examples of garment systems are described immediately below, however, these are merely exemplary embodiments and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The lighting system 120 of FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a pair of LED modules 121a and 121b on each side of the front side of the garment 102, the LED modules 121a and 121b configured to provide illumination to designated areas. good. Control module 115 may be configured to control and operatively connect capacitive sensor and lighting system 120 . In addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, additional components of sensor system 110 may be provided. In fact, sensor system 110 may include more than one instance of each component (eg, more than one capacitive fabric sensor, more than one lighting system 120, etc.).

In certain embodiments, sensor system 110 may include a sensor assembly that includes, for example, at least one stretchable capacitive sensor, as well as a plurality of different sensors. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor assemblies include accelerometers (including forms of multi-axis accelerometers), gyroscopes, positioning devices (e.g. GPS), optical sensors, temperature sensors (including ambient and/or body temperature), It may include or allow operative connection to a heart rate monitor, an image capture sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or combinations thereof. The motion or parameters detected from the sensor(s) of the device can be a variety of different parameters including, but not limited to, speed, distance, steps taken, energy expenditure such as calories, heart rate and sweat detection. , metrics or physiological characteristics (or may be used to form them). Such parameters may also be represented in terms of activity points or currency earned by the user based on the user's activity.

Sensor system 110 may be utilized in detecting and/or measuring athletic motion of a user wearing apparel 102 . In one embodiment, the data acquired by sensor system 110 may directly detect motion motion such that the data acquired from sensor system 110 is directly correlated to motion parameters. Sensor system 110 may include at least one stretchable capacitive fabric sensor. At least one stretchable capacitive fabric sensor may be integrated into the structure of garment 102, and the fabric sensor may sense stretch mode, compression mode and/or slide mode. The various fabric sensors of system 100 may be grouped at specific locations and/or arranged symmetrically around garment 102 . For example, system 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B is provided with six fabric sensors: a pair of right strain sensors 111a and a pair of left strain sensors 111b, mode sensor 112, and time/intensity sensor 114. . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that sensor system 110 may employ various other combinations and numbers of sensors. An example use of the example sensor system 110 is provided herein.

Mode sensor 112 and time/intensity sensor 114 may each include one or more input mechanisms, such as buttons, to assist operation of system 100 . Buttons, such as one or more elements of the type discussed with respect to sensor system 110, are depressible inputs or touch screen inputs operably connected to control module 115 and/or any other electronic components. can be Control module 115 may be embedded in or otherwise part of garment 102 . Apparel 102 may be formed from one or more materials including a textile component and may include one or more displays (not shown). A display may be considered an illuminatable part of system 100 other than illumination system 120 .

Lighting system 120 may include a series of individual lighting elements or light members, such as light emitting diode (LED) lights, in an exemplary embodiment. The LED lights may be formed in an array and operably connected to control module 115 . It is understood that the lighting system 120 can operate and illuminate with the display or completely separately from the display. The display may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or light members, which may also take the form of LED lights in exemplary embodiments. In certain embodiments, the display may provide visual indications of settings or goals.

The LED lights of lighting system 120 may be formed in an array and may be operably connected to control module 115 . It is understood that various indicator systems may operate and illuminate with lighting system 120 to provide a display. The indicator system may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or light members, which may also take the form of LED lights in exemplary embodiments. In certain embodiments, the indicator system may provide visual indications of various types of information such as goals, progress toward goals, elevation or terrain changes, suggested routes, completion of milestones, and the like.

The control module 115 receives a time/intensity sensor 114 configured to receive user input specifying settings of the lighting system 120 , receives user input specifying an operating mode of the lighting system 120 , and powers the lighting system 120 . Additional sensors may be operatively connected, including a mode sensor 112 configured to turn on/off. The time/intensity sensor 114 and mode sensor 112 may be placed at specific locations on the garment to provide accessibility for the user to provide input. The control modules 115 may be placed on specific locations on the garment 102 so as not to disturb the user when the garment 102 is worn and performing an activity. Mode sensor 112 may include input selectors 112a and 112b corresponding to continuous mode and paced mode, respectively. Time/intensity sensor 114 may include an input selector, such as swipe pad 114 a , configured to adjust the intensity of lighting system 120 and/or adjust the pulsation frequency of lighting system 120 .

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sensor system 110 is positioned on the garment 102 and includes a right strain sensor 111a and a left strain sensor 111b that, when worn, are placed proximate the user's left and right deltoid muscles, respectively. including. The right strain sensor 111a and left strain sensor 111b may be placed respectively over the left and right deltoids extending from the clavicle region, straddling the shoulders, along the posterior deltoids, and anchoring around the triceps. Right strain sensor 111 a and right strain sensor 111 b may be attached to a portion of garment 102 near the upper mid-shoulder region near the upper ends of mode sensor 112 and time/intensity sensor 114 . Right strain sensor 111a and right strain sensor 111b may extend posteriorly along the shoulder region, partially down the shoulder region and ending near the deltoid region. In some embodiments, the arrangement of right strain sensor 111a and right strain sensor 111b may resemble epaulettes. In some embodiments, data from the sensor system 110 may detect an increase in strain in the sensor position, so the right strain sensor 111a senses that the user's right arm has moved, e.g., while running or jogging. can be configured to detect solely indicating the arm swing of the As described herein, a predetermined amount of distortion may be sent to control module 115 to initiate an illumination sequence by illumination system 120 when operating in paced mode. However, in other embodiments, data from right strain sensor 111a and right strain sensor 111b may be utilized in combination with each other or with other sensors to detect and/or measure motion. Accordingly, specific measurements may be determined from combining data obtained from various sensors.

Sensed motion or parameters from the 104 sensors of the sensor system can be of a variety of different types, including but not limited to speed, distance, steps taken, energy expenditure such as calories, heart rate and sweat detection. Parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics may be included (or used to form them). Such parameters may also be represented by any of various types of representations including, but not limited to, activity points or currency earned by the user based on the user's activity. Examples of stretchable capacitive sensors that may be utilized in accordance with various embodiments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,958,789 and WO2014/204323, the entire contents of which for all non-limiting purposes are incorporated herein.

Additional sensors may be included in sensor system 110, for example, with at least one stretchable fabric sensor configured to detect and/or monitor at least one athletic activity parameter of the user. Such additional sensors include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, positioning devices (e.g. GPS), light sensors, temperature sensors (including ambient and/or body temperature), heart rate monitors, image capture sensors, humidity sensors and/or combinations thereof.

Control module 115 may be positioned so as not to disturb the user during athletic activity. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, control module 115 may be located in the upper or middle back portion when secured to garment 102 . Control module 115 may be configured to be disconnectable from sensor system 110 and removable from garment 102 . Control module 115 may include an enclosed outer shell 118 that houses the electronics and other components therein. Sealing outer shell 118, when secured to garment 102, contours the curve of a portion of the user, such as the back of the user wearing shirt garment 102 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to the position of the control module. can be molded into In some examples, the outer shell 118 may be a plastic oval shell and may be designed to minimize water intrusion therein. Control module 115 may include a battery and printed circuit board assembly (not shown) inside outer shell 118 . Control module 115 may be configured to allow charging of the battery without disassembly or removal of the battery. The battery may be removable from control module 115 by opening outer shell 118 . The battery may be rechargeable using an external charger and/or may be removable from control module 115 .

Outer shell 118 may be openable and closable by various known configurations and may be openable and closable through the use of various known tools. Control module 115 may be configured to be removable from garment 102 and connectable to a computing device for transmission of data therebetween. All components of control module 115 may be integral with garment 102 and/or washable. Further, although the control module 115 may be partially washable due to the water-resistant outer shell 118, the control module 115 may still be removable from the garment 102, for example, to wash the garment 102 in a washing machine. The control module 115 may be sized and designed to fit within the internal pocket of the garment 102, with the body side of the outer shell 118 forming a spine curve that aligns with the position of the internal pocket of the garment 102. may be contoured to match the Control module 115 may be connected to garment 102 via a single connector 117 on the side of control module 115 , for example, when attached to garment 102 , immediately adjacent the collar of garment 102 . Control module 115 may be connectable for programming, debugging, etc. via various known computer connections, such as various USB connections. For example, control module 115 may include a Mini-B USB connector exposed only when outer shell 118 is opened.

The control module 115 may be capable of data logging, for example, to develop algorithms that interpret the pressure profile applied by the user when interacting with the strain sensor to determine the user's pace. Control module 115 may include various non-transitory computer readable media such as memory and/or processing devices such as microprocessor devices for executing software instructions. The memory may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM). The memory may be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic storage device, or any other device to store desired information. and any other medium accessible by control module 115 that can be used to do so. Control module 115 may include memory that records and collects data from sensor system 110, for example, at a particular sampling rate of about 20 Hz or greater. Control module 115 may be connectable directly or indirectly to one or more peripheral devices through a bus or alternative communication structure. For example, the processing unit or system memory of the control module 115 may directly or indirectly include additional memory storage such as hard disk drives, removable magnetic disk drives, optical disk drives and flash memory cards, as well as input and output devices. can be connected. Data may be retrieved from control module 115 upon connecting control module 115 to another computing device. Also, the processing unit and system memory may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more input devices and one or more output devices. Output devices may include, for example, monitor displays, televisions, printers, stereos or speakers. Input devices may include, for example, keyboards, touch screens, remote control pads, pointing devices (such as mice, touch pads, styluses, trackballs or joysticks), scanners, cameras or microphones. In this regard, sensor system 110 may be considered a type of input device to control module 115 configured to sense, detect and/or measure athletic motion from a user. System 100 may also include a touch screen or other graphical user interface to allow a user to make various selections, eg, to activate sensor system 110 . One or more embodiments may utilize one or more wired and/or wireless technologies, alone or in combination, examples of wireless technologies being Bluetooth® technology, Bluetooth® Low Energy technology and/or ANT technology.

Still further, control module 115 and/or any other component of sensor system 110 may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more network interfaces to communicate with a network. In one example, the network interface converts data and control signals from the control module into network messages according to one or more communication protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). It may include a network adapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to do so. These protocols are well known in the art and therefore will not be discussed in further detail here. The interface connected to control module 115 may employ any suitable connection agent to connect to a network including, for example, a wireless transceiver, powerline adapter, modem or Ethernet connection. However, a network can be of any type(s) or topography(s), such as internet(s), intranet(s), cloud(s), LAN(s), alone or in combination(s). any one or more of the information distribution network(s). A network may include any one or more of cable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, and the like. A network is, for example, one or more wired or wireless networks for connecting one or more locations (e.g., schools, businesses, homes, consumer residences, network resources, etc.) to one or more remote servers or to other computers. communication channels and the like.

System 100 may monitor user activity, including, for example, athletic activity or other activity of the user. In another embodiment, system 100 may provide visual, tactile and/or audio information to the user during a workout or training session. For example, in one embodiment, sensor system 110 may include an activity monitor that measures, monitors and tracks or otherwise senses user activity (or inactivity). Sensor system 110 may detect athletic motion or other activity (or inactivity) during user interaction with various other components of system 100 and/or operate independently of such interaction. You may System 100 may communicate directly or indirectly with networks and/or other devices by wire or wirelessly. Athletic data obtained from system 100 may be utilized in computer-implemented decisions, such as decisions related to exercise programs presented to a user. As used herein, athletic data means data about or related to a user's activity (or inactivity). In one embodiment, system 100 communicates with remote websites, such as sites dedicated to fitness or health-related content, directly or indirectly (e.g., via a mobile device or directly through control module 115 to a computing device). can interact wirelessly). In this or another embodiment, the system 100 may interact with a mobile device for applications specific to fitness or health related content. In some embodiments, at some predetermined time(s), a user may wish to transmit data from system 100 to another location. For example, a user may wish to upload data from a portable device with relatively little memory to a larger device with more memory. Communications between system 100 and other devices may be performed wirelessly and/or through wired mechanisms.

Referring now to FIG. 2, further aspects of LED module 121 of lighting system 120 are illustrated. Illumination may be provided by two LEDs 122a and 122b positioned on opposite ends of LED module 121, generally constructed as a strip extending along its length. In some examples, single LEDs may be provided at specific locations and/or along strips, or may form any other shape along garment 102 . Note that in other examples, multiple additional LEDs may be provided on the LED module and/or may be paired with other LED modules and/or may be positioned at various locations on the garment 102. . LEDs 122a and 122b are mounted on a common flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 123 having a "dogbone shape", i.e., an elongated central region, and a larger area on each end to which each of LEDs 122a and 122b, respectively, is mounted. connected with Flexible PCB 123 and LEDs 122a and 122b may be similar to those known in the art and typically found in consumer electronics. LEDs 122a and 121b may be wired in a common anode configuration, with each cathode capable of sinking current individually for each LED 122a and 122b. A central armature 125 consisting of a twisted wire spine may be provided around the central region of flexible PCB 123 . The central armature 125 can be similar to those used in foldable or posable structures inside stop motion characters, action figures and other toys. Casing 126 may be molded over the components of lighting system 120 such as LED modules 121 a and 121 b , central armature 125 and flexible PCB 123 . Casing 126 may be constructed from an optically transparent, waterproof and/or rubbery material. In some examples, casing 126 may be constructed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (TPU/PU), polyester and/or epoxy resin. Casing 126 may include a flange 127 extending in the rearward plane of casing 126 . Flange 127 may be attachable to garment 102 by, for example, sewing and/or heat bonding, and thus serves as an anchor to garment 102 for one end of lighting system 120 .

In some examples, each of the LED modules 121a and 121b shown in FIG. 1A may be configured to provide illumination to a specific area proximate to the user. For example, LED modules 121a and 121b may be configured to provide illumination within 5 or 3 meters in front of the wearer during use. In some examples, the LED modules 121a and 121b may be configured to provide a lighting area suitable for a particular activity, eg, within a few meters of the user while running. LEDs provided in LED modules 121a and 121b may be provided with a maximum instantaneous current of 50 mA and a maximum continuous current of 20 mA, and the resistance value from control module 115 may be less than or within the range of 0-5 ohms. In some embodiments, the resistance value may not vary. Still other ranges of LED modules 121a and 121b are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the illumination intensity from LED modules 121a and 121b may be distributed from several peak positions. For example, the illumination intensity may be distributed in the left and right central regions 2-3 m in front of the wearer and 1-2 m in front of the left and right sides and 1-2 m outside the left and right sides. In some embodiments, each LED module 121a and 121b may include a pair of LEDs. For example, LED module 121a may include an inboard right LED and an outboard right LED, and LED module 121b may include an inboard left LED and an outboard left LED. The inboard left and right LEDs may be configured to point to a central area of illumination, and the outboard left and right LEDs may be configured to point to left and right side illumination, respectively. In some examples, the LED modules 121a and 121b may be symmetrically arranged on the garment. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the LED modules 121a and 121b are bilaterally symmetrical about the central front portion of the front of the garment 102, generally aligned with the wearer's first rib, and centered about the wearer's sternum. obtain. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible.

Lighting system 120 may be configured to have a targetable and/or controllable lighting area based on a selected mode or operation. For example, the LED modules 121a and 121b can be shielded or directed so that they do not have a direct path to illuminate the eyes of the wearer. In some examples, the lighting system 120 may be configured to assume a twisted or curved shape when integrated into the garment 102 to best suit the wearer for a particular use. Thus, the peak of the illumination from each LED module can be targeted, for example narrowing the illumination area while driving on a narrow trail or expanding the illumination area during a wide sidewalk. Additionally, portions of illumination system 120 may be adjustable to fit the wearer's particular anatomy. Lighting system 120 may be configured to adjust the intensity and/or duration of lighting based on settings from control module 115 to which the lighting system is operatively connected. Connections from the lighting system 120 to the control module 115 may be made using wires or cables (eg, flat cable) soldered or otherwise bonded to the flexible PCB 123 . In some examples, once wires or cables are connected to the flexible PCB 123, a second process of over-molding, for example to seal the wires/or cables and provide strain relief. can be performed. Overmolding can be performed with hot melt adhesives using a relatively low temperature and low pressure process so as not to damage the wiring/cables. In some examples, connections between flexible PCB 123 and wires/cables may alternatively or additionally be sealed and strain relieved using a casting process with a two-part epoxy resin.

A close-up view of mode sensor 112 is illustrated in FIG. The mode sensor may be placed on a location on the garment that allows the user to access the mode sensor 112 when the garment 102 is worn. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the mode sensor 112 may be placed over the pectoral region of the garment 102 when the garment 102 is a shirt or jacket garment type. Mode sensor 112 may include continuous mode input selector 112a and paced mode input selector 112b, which may be grouped into a single component. A connector 113 may be provided at the end of the mode sensor 112 . Connector 113 may be a flat tab protruding from the end of mode sensor 112 and may consist of one or more conductive pads for operable connection to the sensor system. When installed within garment 102 , connector 113 may be positioned at the edge of garment 102 closest to the shoulder region.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a close-up view of time/intensity sensor 114 is illustrated. The time/intensity sensor 114 may be located above the pectoral muscle region of the garment 102 on the side opposite the mode sensor 112 when the garment 102 is of the shirt or jacket garment type. In some examples, mode sensor 112 and time/intensity sensor 114 may be symmetrically positioned on garment 102 . In some examples, mode sensor 112 and time/intensity sensor 114 may each have different shapes, colors and/or sizes for ease of use in distinguishing the two. Mode sensor 112 and time/intensity sensor 114 may be of similar size and positioned symmetrically to each other. For example, mode sensor 112 may have a generally hourglass shape, and continuous mode input selector 112a and paced mode input selector 112b each have a generally round or oval shape. A waist or necking may be provided between the continuous mode input selector 112a and the paced mode input selector 112b to increase flexibility and aid in positioning the mode sensor 112, thus generally having an hourglass shape. Providing a shape, the hourglass shape may also allow some twistability of one end relative to the other. When attached to garment 102 , mode sensor 112 may be positioned such that continuous mode input selector 112 a is closest to the shoulder region and pace mode input selector 112 b is far from the shoulder region of garment 102 . The time/intensity sensor 114 may have a generally teardrop shape, with the larger diameter end located near the shoulder region of the garment 102 . Mode sensor 112 and time/intensity sensor 114 may each be shaped such that they can be positioned by edge shape or texture and/or by overall shape.

Continuous mode input selector 112a of mode sensor 112 may be depressed to power on (and/or power off) lighting system 120 in a continuous lighting setting. In a continuous lighting setting, time/intensity sensor 114 may be configured to receive input to increase or decrease the illumination of lighting system 120 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the time/intensity sensor 114 may include a swipe pad 114a configured to adjust lighting intensity based on received swipe inputs. For example, an upward swipe on swipe pad 114a from a narrower bottom edge to a wider top edge may increase illumination intensity. Repeated swiping up may increase the illumination intensity to full intensity, at which point further swiping up will have no effect. For example, a downward swipe on swipe pad 114a from a wider top edge to a narrower bottom edge can decrease the illumination intensity. Repeated downward swipes may decrease the lighting intensity to the lowest intensity, at which further downward swipes will have no effect. In some examples, the lowest intensity may be associated with the lighting system 120 being powered off. Both lighting modules 121a and 121b can be powered on for continuous lighting settings. In some examples, one or both of lighting modules 121a and 121b may be selectively powered on or off in continuous lighting settings, eg, in response to user input. Changes in lighting intensity based on the input received at swipe pad 114a can change the current supplied to LED modules 121a and 121b of the lighting system. The change in supplied current can be the same for both LED modules 121a and 121b. In some examples, different changes in supplied current may be applied to LED modules 121a and 121b in response to inputs indicative of differential changes in illumination intensity.

Pace mode input 112b of mode sensor 112 may be depressed to power on (and/or power off) lighting system 120 in a pace triggered lighting setting. For example, system 100 may determine the pace of use based on detected arm swing from left and right deltoid sensors 111a and 111b, and illuminate LED modules 121a and 121b alternately based on the determined pace. or differentially provided. In one embodiment, when pace mode input 112b is pressed, each of LED modules 121a and 121b may be configured to output a short blink or other signal indicating that lighting system 120 is powered on. Further illumination from the LED modules 121a and 121b can then occur upon triggering signals from the left and right deltoid sensors 111a and 111b associated with the detected arm swing. Left and right deltoid sensors 111a and 111b may be configured to extend and compress with the swing of their respective arms during the user's run to generate a trigger signal indicative of the user's pace. During pace-triggered lighting settings, swipe pad 114a of time/intensity sensor 114 may be configured to adjust the duration of lighting (after triggering) based on the received swipe input. For example, an upward swipe on swipe pad 114a from a narrower bottom edge to a wider top edge may increase the illumination duration. Repeated swiping up may increase the duration of the illumination to a maximum duration, at which time further swiping up will have no effect. In some examples, the maximum duration may be associated with lighting system 120 being continuously powered on. For example, a downward swipe on swipe pad 114a from a wider top edge to a narrower bottom edge may decrease the illumination duration. Repeated downward swipes may decrease the duration of the illumination to a minimum duration, at which further downward swipes will have no effect. In some examples, the minimum duration may be associated with the lighting system 120 being powered off. In some examples, if the interval between arm shake triggers is less than the duration of the illumination, the illumination may be nearly continuous with a brief flash when the trigger occurs. In some examples, a targeted pace lighting setting may be triggered, in which lighting system 120 triggers lighting between LED modules 121a and 121b based on a target pace.

In some embodiments, when in a pace-triggered lighting setting, left LED module 121b may be configured to power both of its LEDs based on a trigger from left deltoid sensor 111b. Similarly, in a pace-triggered lighting setting, right LED module 121a may be configured to power both of its LEDs based on a trigger from right deltoid sensor 111a. In some embodiments, both LED modules 121a and 121b may be configured to stop lighting when the user stops moving and thus stops further arm swings during the pace trigger lighting setting.

In some embodiments, lighting system 120 may be powered off when both continuous mode input 112a and paced mode input 112b are depressed simultaneously, eg, for more than a few seconds. The spacing between the continuous mode input 112a and the paced mode input 112b is such that both inputs can be placed with two fingers or on the heel of a palm of the user, especially when the user is engaged in athletic activity and can become fatigued. can be pressed at the same time, and thus the system 100 can be designed to provide ease of use.

In either a continuous lighting setting or a pace-triggered lighting setting, the ratio of current supplied to the center and outboard LEDs can be fixed. Note that in some examples, the ratio of the currents supplied to the center LEDs and the outboard LEDs may be adjustable. The ratio of supplied currents may be firmware adjustable and/or may be the same for both sides. Note that in some embodiments, each LED may receive a different ratio of supplied current without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The sensor system 110, lighting system 120, and control module 115 may be interconnected within the garment by way of wiring 160 routed along the seams of the garment 102, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Wires 160 may route primarily along seams in garment 102 so as not to interfere with conscious stretching of garment 102 . Further, the size of various components, including sensor system 110, control module 115, and lighting system 120, for example, may be kept small so that garment 102 remains stretchable and flexible. In some embodiments, the wiring may be composed of flexible, thinly metallized threads. For example, AmberStrand 166 metallized yarn by Syscom Advanced Materials can be used. Wires 160 may be routed through a half-zipper 162 of garment 102 and upward along each seam on each side of the zipper to a collar 163 seam. Wires 160 may then be routed to the back of the neck via near collar 163 and downward to control module 115 . An exemplary embodiment of such wiring is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

Wires 160 as shown in FIG. 7 are attached to the garment using 304 zigzag lockstitch 170 with conductive thread applied as a cord and a hem line along the zipper secured to the flat panel. can be 304 lockstitch can be sewn onto and through the various flexible circuit board materials discussed herein. Traces 160 may be aligned with the conductive pads of the flexible PCB and on top of them. Once in place, the insulation may be removed and traces 160 may be brought into contact with the conductive pads. For example, such processes include placing conductive threads/wires over the conductive pads, stripping the insulating cover from the wires, and using e.g. acetone, abrasive microbrushes, pressure pads, forward flow and suction, etc. using to strip the insulating cover solvent from the wiring. Contact stiffeners may then need to be applied using, for example, a conductive adhesive such as MasterSil 705/S. In some examples, a final layer of insulating material, such as MasterSil 709 or 710, may be provided for a rapid air-curing and flexible coating. Such a wire bonding process may allow the garment to be machine washable while still retaining flexibility, adhesion and conductivity.

In some embodiments, the interconnections between sensor system 110, mode sensor 112 and time/intensity sensor 114 to control module 115 are radio frequency (RF) bonded or thermally bonded to the garment with conductive ink traces. of thermoplastic urethane film. Conductive threads can also be used to make the various connections described for wiring. However, connections using conductive threads may be less dense than connections using tape. A combination of flexible printed circuits, mechanical metal connections, threads and/or wires can be used to interconnect the low current, low voltage paths that interconnect the various components described herein. . Coaxial cables may also form the various connections, eg, the cable diameter is sufficiently small and the path is serpentine to improve flexibility and expandability/compressibility of the cable.

In some embodiments, a system includes an article of clothing sized and measured to be worn by a user and a sensor system integrated into the article of clothing. The sensor system is based on at least one stretchable capacitive sensor positioned on the article of clothing and the measured biometric parameter of the user to measure a biometric parameter of the user when the article of clothing is worn. may include a lighting system configured to provide lighting to a particular lighting area, and a control module for controlling one or more settings of the lighting system. The at least one stretchable capacitive sensor has one or more sensors positioned proximate to the right deltoid muscle when the garment is worn by the user and to the left deltoid muscle when the garment is worn by the user. and one or more sensors placed in close proximity, wherein at least one stretchable capacitive sensor may be configured to sense the swing of the user's arm to sense the user's pace. The at least one stretchable capacitive sensor includes one or more sensors positioned proximate to at least a portion of the right leg when the article of clothing is worn by the user and one or more sensors located on the left leg when the article of clothing is worn by the user. and one or more sensors positioned proximate to the at least one stretchable capacitive sensor may be configured to sense the swing of the user's leg to determine the user's pace. The illumination system may be configured to provide pulsed illumination with a pulsating frequency set based on the user's measured biometric parameters. The sensor system is configured to receive input from a user specifying one or more settings of the lighting system and/or a time/intensity sensor configured to receive input from the user specifying one or more modes of operation of the sensor system. A mode sensor configured to receive may be included. The mode sensor includes a continuous mode component and a paced mode component, each having respective inputs. A lighting system may include a plurality of LED modules. The control module may include an intensity modifier for adjusting the intensity of the lighting system and a frequency modifier for adjusting the pulsation frequency of the lighting system. The control module may be configured to be separable from the sensor system and removable from the article of clothing and/or may include a sealed outer shell housing the electronic components therein. The lighting system may be configured to provide a target controllable lighting area and/or may be movable to adjust a particular lighting area based on a selected mode of operation. The at least one stretchable capacitive sensor may be configured to detect strain based on the user's type of biometric motion. The control module may be configured to connect to and transmit data to and from the computing device.

In some embodiments, a method of providing illumination from clothing when a user performs an athletic activity is provided. The method includes sensing strain from one or more sensors located on the garment; determining a user's pace or predicted next movement based on the sensed strain; causing the clothing lighting system to illuminate a portion of the user's path based on the predicted next movement. The method may further include determining the side of the next footstrike based on the determined pace. Then, causing the lighting system to illuminate may include illuminating an area of the user's path corresponding to the determined side of the next footstrike. The method may further include adjusting the duration of illumination of the user's path in response to user-provided input. The method may further include adjusting the lighting system to provide constant lighting in response to user-provided input. In one embodiment, the system may prompt the user to perform one or more exercises, monitor the user's movements while performing the exercise, and provide feedback to the user based on their performance.

In some embodiments, a method of providing lighting from clothing when a user performs an athletic activity is provided. The method comprises the steps of sensing strain from sensors located on the garment; determining a biometric parameter of the user based on the sensed strain; and determining a specific lighting area based on the determined biometric parameter. , and causing the lighting system to illuminate. The determined biometric parameter may be the user's pace, and the method may further comprise determining the side or area of the next footstrike based on the user's pace, wherein the particular lighting area corresponds to the determined side of the next footstrike. The method comprises adjusting the duration of illumination by the lighting system according to one or more user inputs, adjusting the intensity of illumination by the lighting system according to one or more user inputs, and/or according to one or more user inputs. It may further comprise adjusting the lighting system to provide constant lighting.

In one example, one or more sensors may be located on or proximate to the user's body at various locations and/or the location of the sensors may be determined by other sensing devices. For example, sensors may be placed according to body motion areas, such as joints (eg, ankles, elbows, shoulders, etc.), or may be placed at other locations of interest on the user's body. In this regard, the sensor may be a physical sensor located on/in the user's clothing, and in yet other embodiments the sensor location is based on identifying the relationship between two moving body parts. good. The sensor may sense the current position of the body part and/or track the motion of the body part. In one embodiment, the position can be used to determine the user's center of gravity or center of mass. For example, the relationship between positions relative to one or more other positions can be used to determine whether the user's center of gravity has risen longitudinally (eg, during a jump or as part of a running stride, etc.). In one embodiment, various additional or alternative sensor locations may be located around the user's sternum and/or proximate the user's navel. In certain embodiments, data from sensor locations may be utilized (alone or in combination with other data) to determine changes in the user's center of gravity and/or longitudinal axis. In a further embodiment, the relationship between multiple sensor locations may be utilized to determine rotational forces such as user orientation and/or twist of the user's torso. Additionally, one or more locations may be utilized as the center of moment location or as the center of moment of a particular body part or region.

In one example, the system may perform an initial pose assessment of the user as part of the initial user assessment. The computer analyzes the front and side images of the user to determine the position of one or more of the user's shoulders, upper back, lower back, hips, knees and/or ankles, depending on the type of clothing. can decide.

A display or display device (not shown) may also present one or more performance level indicators that indicate the user's performance metrics. Example metrics are speed, quickness, power, dimensions (e.g. distance traveled or dipped, height jumped, hip or shoulder rotation), reaction time, agility, flexibility, acceleration, heart rate. , body temperature (eg overheating), blood oxygen content or other physical or physiological metrics. A performance level indicator may be depicted as, for example, a gauge, speedometer, bar indicator, percentage indicator, or the like.

In some embodiments, the garment may be a shirt or jacket, and the at least one capacitive sensor may include a pair of sensors, each sensor positioned to correspond to the left and right deltoids of the user to provide the user with can be configured to sense the swing of the arm of the Each deltoid sensor may be configured to sense strain indicative of the user's arm swing. In some embodiments, the garment may be a pair of pants or shorts, the at least one capacitive sensor may be positioned to correspond to the user's left and right ankles, knees, thighs, etc., and the user's pace or legs may be measured. can be configured to sense the swing of the Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other combinations of garment types and sensor locations can be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A user may possess, carry and/or wear any number of additional other electronic devices while wearing the system that may be operably connected during athletic activity. Indeed, such devices may be used to collect, detect and/or measure motion data, either with the system or separately from the system. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to transmit data to such devices. Such devices include IPOD®, IPAD® or iPhone® branded devices available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., or Zune® available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash. Or it may include portable electronic devices such as phones or digital music players, including Microsoft® Windows devices.

Providing a clothing system having one or more of the features described herein can provide a user with an enhanced workout experience, which allows the user to engage in athletic activity and improve their fitness. It will inspire and inspire you to improve. A user may further adjust various settings of the apparel system to fit a particular training setting to a particular user in a particular training setting.

Aspects of embodiments have been described in terms of exemplary embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to those skilled in the art from a review of this disclosure. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps illustrated in the exemplary figures may be performed in an order other than that described, and that one or more of the illustrated steps are optional depending on aspects of the present disclosure. you will recognize the good.

Exemplary embodiments provide the following.
A. a system,
an article of clothing sized and measured to be worn by a user;
a sensor system integrated with an article of clothing;
and the sensor system is
at least one stretchable capacitive sensor positioned on the article of clothing to measure biometric parameters of the user when the article of clothing is worn;
a lighting system configured to provide lighting to a particular lighting area based on measured biometric parameters of a user;
a control module that controls one or more settings of the lighting system;
system including.

B. The at least one stretchable capacitive sensor has one or more sensors positioned proximate to the right deltoid muscle when the garment is donned by the user and to the left deltoid muscle when the garment is donned by the user. and one or more sensors placed in close proximity, wherein the at least one stretchable capacitive sensor is configured to sense the swing of the user's arm to sense the user's pace. system.

C. The at least one stretchable capacitive sensor includes one or more sensors positioned proximate at least a portion of the right leg when the article of clothing is donned by the user, and one or more sensors positioned proximate to at least a portion of the right leg when the article of clothing is donned by the user. and one or more sensors positioned proximate to A or B, the at least one stretchable capacitive sensor configured to sense the swing of the user's leg to determine the user's pace. The system described in .

D. The system of A, B, or C, wherein the illumination system is configured to provide pulsed illumination with a pulsating frequency set based on measured biometric parameters of the user.

E. The system of any one of AD, wherein the sensor system includes a time/intensity sensor configured to receive input from a user specifying one or more settings of the lighting system.

F. The system of any one of A through E, wherein the sensor system includes a mode sensor configured to receive input from a user specifying one or more modes of operation of the sensor system.

G. The system of F, wherein the mode sensor includes a continuous mode component and a paced mode component, each having a respective input.

H. The system of any one of AG, wherein the lighting system includes a plurality of LED modules.

I. The system of any one of AH, wherein the control module includes an intensity modifier for adjusting the intensity of the lighting system and a frequency modifier for adjusting the pulsation frequency of the lighting system.

J. The system of any one of AI, wherein the control module is configured to be separable from the sensor system and removable from the article of clothing.

K. The system of any one of AJ, wherein the control module includes a sealed outer shell housing electronic components therein.

L. The system of any one of AK, wherein the lighting system is configured to provide a targeted controllable lighting area based on a selected mode of operation.

M. The system of any one of AL, wherein the lighting system is movable to adjust a particular lighting area.

N. The system of any one of AM, wherein the at least one stretchable capacitive sensor is configured to detect strain based on a type of biometric movement of the user.

O. The system of any one of AN, wherein the control module is configured to connect to and communicate data with the computing device.

P. A method of providing lighting from clothing when a user performs an athletic activity, the method comprising:
sensing strain from sensors located on the garment;
determining a biometric parameter of the user based on the sensed strain;
causing a lighting system to illuminate a particular lighting area based on the determined biometric parameter;
A method, including

Q. The determined biometric parameter is the user's pace, and the method further comprises determining a side of the next footstrike based on the user's pace, wherein the particular lighting area determines the next footstrike. The method of P, corresponding to the side that has been marked.

R. The method of P or G further comprising adjusting the duration of lighting by the lighting system according to one or more user inputs.

S. The method of P, Q or R further comprising adjusting the intensity of illumination by the illumination system according to one or more user inputs.

T. The method of P or Q, wherein the lighting system is adjusted to provide constant lighting according to one or more user inputs.

Claims (15)

a system,
an article of clothing sized and measured to be worn by a user;
a sensor system integrated with the article of clothing;
wherein the sensor system comprises:
detecting distortions disposed on the article of clothing and indicative of swinging of the user's arms or legs when the article of clothing is worn to determine the user's pace; and further based on the user's pace. at least one stretchable capacitive sensor configured to determine the side of the next foot strike with the
A lighting system configured to provide illumination to a specific lighting area, the specific lighting area comprising a portion of the user's path based on the determined next footstrike side . a lighting system;
a control module for controlling one or more settings of the lighting system;
system including. The at least one stretchable capacitive sensor comprises one or more sensors positioned proximate the right deltoid muscle when the article of clothing is donned by the user, and when the article of clothing is donned by the user. and one or more sensors positioned proximate to the left deltoid muscle, wherein the at least one stretchable capacitive sensor senses swing of the user's arm to sense the user's pace. consists of
The system of claim 1. The at least one stretchable capacitive sensor comprises: one or more sensors positioned proximate at least a portion of a right leg when the article of clothing is worn by the user; and one or more sensors sometimes positioned proximate to the left leg, wherein the at least one stretchable capacitive sensor senses swing of the user's leg to determine the user's pace. consists of
The system of claim 1. wherein the lighting system is configured to provide pulsed lighting with a pulsating frequency set based on the user's pace ;
The system of claim 1. the sensor system includes a time/intensity sensor configured to receive input from the user specifying one or more settings of the lighting system;
The system of claim 1. the sensor system includes a mode sensor configured to receive input from the user specifying one or more modes of operation of the sensor system;
The system of claim 1. the mode sensor includes a continuous mode component and a paced mode component, each having a respective input;
7. A system according to claim 6. wherein the lighting system includes a plurality of LED modules;
The system of claim 1. the control module includes an intensity modifier for adjusting the intensity of the lighting system and a frequency modifier for adjusting the pulsation frequency of the lighting system;
The system of claim 1. the control module is configured to be disconnectable from the sensor system and removable from the article of clothing;
The system of claim 1. the control module includes a sealed outer shell housing electronic components therein;
The system of claim 1. wherein the lighting system is configured to provide a targeted controllable lighting area based on a selected mode of operation;
The system of claim 1. the lighting system is movable to adjust the specific lighting area;
The system of claim 1. the at least one stretchable capacitive sensor is configured to detect strain based on a type of biometric movement of the user;
The system of claim 1. the control module is configured to connect to a computing device and transmit data to and from the computing device;
The system of claim 1.

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